PHOTOS: Edge’s Final Public Appearance Before Retiring

When Adam "Edge" Copeland appeared tonight before a shocked crowd in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the rumors had already been running rampant that he was going to announce his retirement effective next year after WrestleMania. The current WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Champion won’t have that year to say goodbye. Based on the results of physical tests on his neck after WrestleMania, Edge announced tonight his retirement is effective immediately. "You could tell he was in a lot of pain the entire WrestleMania weekend," famed wrestling photographer Bob Mulrenin noted to us this evening, "but Edge has a performer’s heart, and he didn’t miss a single signing, appearance, or media interview the entire week."

Mulrenin stumbled on a historic photo shoot, as he captured Edge’s final appearance at Axxess before WrestleMania this year. To see Edge’s final public appearance before his retirement, click on the appropriate links below.